USA > Michigan > St Clair County > St. Clair County, Michigan, its history and its people; a narrative account of its historical progress and its principal interests, Vol. II > Part 19
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Mr. Smith was married during the earlier part of his residence in New York City, the young woman to became his wife and the mistress of his household being Florence Irene Timpson, who was born in New York City, in the very house in which she was married and went forth a bride. She is a daughter of Thomas W. and Sarah (Moulton) Timpson, her father being one of the founders and directors of the American News Company. Mrs. Smith received her education in the schools of her native city. They have two children. Westcott T. was born April 4, 1891, at 1252 Franklin avenue, in the same house in which his mother was born, and he has now completed the high school course, being a graduate of the class of 1911. Florence Irene was also born in New York, September 16, 1897, at No. 2 West One Hundred and Thirtieth street. She is a student in Port Huron high school, class of 1913.
Mr. Smith is independent in politics, giving his support to whatever and whomever he believes will best represent the interests of the whole of society. He has, however, Republican leanings. He was a member of the board of estimates, holding office for four years and holding mem- bership on the last existing board. Fraternally he belongs to the Port Huron Lodge of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he is a past exalted ruler : and he is also a Mason, belonging to the Port Huron Commandery and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Detroit. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Congregational church, and Mr. Smith is a pew-holder and believer in its tenets. The family are among the most highly regarded in the city. Their delightful home is maintained at 1815 Military street, while the place of business is at the corner of Pine and Customs Place.
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CHARLES C. CLANCY, M. D. Having the three things, nature, study and practice, that Aristotle once said were necessary for one to become an able man in any profession, Charles C. Clancy, M. D., of Port Huron, has attained signal success in the practice of medicine, and is widely known as one of the more skillful physicians of this section of Saint Clair county. A Canadian by birth, he was born August 1, 1858, in the province of Ontario, where his parents, Patrick and Mary (Crowell) Clancy, natives of Ireland, spent their last years.
Endowed with literary tastes and scholarly ambitions, Charles C. Clancy received a substantial education in the Canadian institutions of learning, having been educated in the high school, Assumption College and at Queen's University. Thus finely equipped, he selected Michigan as a place in which to settle permanently, and on May 1, 1883, located at Port Huron, Saint Clair county, where he has since been actively en- gaged in the practice of his chosen profession, having through his abil- ity and wisdom built up an extensive and lucrative patronage. Public- spirited and progressive, the Doctor has always been the encourager and supporter of everything calculated to advance the welfare of the community, intellectually, socially or morally, and is a leading member of the Democratic party. Although never an aspirant for political honors, he has served ably as a member of the local school board, and also on the library board, where he was associated for several years with Hon. William Lee Jenks.
Dr. Clancy married, June 17, 1885, Margaret M. McNeill, who was born in Kingston, province of Ontario, Canada, a daughter of Captain Patrick and Mary (Flanagan) McNeill, both of whom were born in Ire- land and died in Canada. Five children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Clancy, namely: Mary M., born in 1887, was graduated from Saint Stephen's Academy, and now assists her father in his office, being his private secretary and stenographer; Charles M., born in 1889, was graduated from the Port Huron high school, and is now living at Fargo, North Dakota, where he is associated with the Union Light, Heat & Power Company ; Gerald B., born in 1894, is now a student at Assump- tion College; Joseph M., born in 1896. is a student in Saint Stephen's School, and Hugh C., the youngest child, born in 1905. Dr. Clancy has been for a number of years, and is now, the supreme medical examiner for the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, of which his daughter Mary is stenographer and private secretary. The Doctor and Mrs. Clancy are valued members of the Roman Catholic church. They have a very at- tractive home at No. 929 Huron avenue, and its latchstring is ever out to their many friends.
ROBERT STONE WARREN. Among the prosperous and progressive farmers of Memphis Mr. Warren is a well-known figure. Memphis is a city of his adoption, since he was born in Canada, near Belmont, on January 22, 1856, the sixth child in a family of nine. His parents, Robert and Laura (Winecot) Warren, were born in England, Mr. War- ren on the 25th of October, 1815, and Mrs. Warren on the 28th of No- vember, 1825. At an early age both made the voyage to Canada with their respective families. Mr. Warren grew to manhood in Canada, where he engaged in farming. On January 1, 1844, occurred his mar-
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riage to Miss Laura Winecot. After the close of the war they repaired to Michigan and resided in Lenox for about one year and then moved to Memphis, where they lived until death called them away.
For a time Mr. Warren attended school in Canada, but at the age of eleven he began to work in the stave mills at Richmond and has pro- vided for himself ever since, consequently he can justly claim the proud title of a self-made man. For a period of ten years he worked for lum- her companies in the north and in these days of constant influx and change, he holds the remarkable record of having faithfully served one employer, Mr. Ezra Hazen, for eight years and six months. Ile was constantly employed until 1898, when he became the purchaser of the extensive farm upon which he now lives.
On September 24, 1883, Mr. Warren was united in marriage with Miss Cora Potter, who was born in Richmond township, Macomb county, on September 18, 1860. Her parents were Nelson and Almira (Gibbs) Potter, both of whom were born in the state of New York, Mr. Potter on May 23, 1816, and Mrs. Potter on May 13, 1817. Throughout his life Mr. Potter devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was an early Michigan settler, coming to the Wolverine state when a mere lad with his father. His family had the honor of being the second fam- ily to locate in the section of the county that is now Memphis, where Mr. Potter's youth was spent. Later he changed his residence to Troy, Oakland county, where farming monopolized his time and attention for some years. At the end of that time he returned to Memphis and bought a farm in Richmond township, Macomb county, where he resided until 1893. During that year he came to Memphis and lived under his son-in-law's rooftree until his death on November 15, 1890. Mrs. Potter passed to the eternal rest on September 8, 1880. Five children blessed their union, Mrs. Warren being the youngest. Her education was received in the schools of Richmond.
The farm upon which Mr. and Mrs. Warren make their home com- prises seventy-two aeres, fifty acres of which come within the limits of the city of Memphis. Dairying is one side issue of farming in which Mr. Warren is particularly interested, and the dairy products, which he ships to Port Huron and other large cities, have a reputation for supe- rior quality. Mr. Warren devotes his entire time to the farm, which has proved so fruitful and responsive to his efforts.
The Republican party has always had his most loyal fealty, although his efforts in its behalf are entirely disinterested, since his retiring dis- position has never permitted him to put himself forward for any office. Mr. Warren's career points to the success almost always attainable to those who show in their characters a combination of ambition, energy and determination. He is a representative of the sturdy, successful agriculturists.
EPHRAIM SCOTT, deputy collector of customs at St. Clair, was born upon a farm in Berlin township, St. Clair county, on April 2, 1854. He is the son of Amasa T. and Almira (Bullard) Scott, the father being a native of New York state and the mother of London, Ontario. Amasa T. Scott came to St. Clair county with his parents in 1836. He was a carpenter and millwright by trade, and passed his life in those pursuits,
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living upon the farm home and there rearing his family. When Eph- raim was fourteen years of age the family removed to Armada, Mich- igan, where they lived for some time, and there he attended the high school for one year. When he was seventeen he began to teach in the district schools, his first school being in district No. 6 in Berlin town- ship, where he was born and reared. He devoted his time to teaching and farming for twenty-four consecutive years, finally retiring from the work to enter other fields offering more attractions. For five years thereafter he devoted himself to insurance soliciting, and on July 27, 1903, he was appointed to the government position which he now holds, and in which his service has been of a high order, eminently satisfac- tory to all concerned.
Mr. Scott is a Republican in his political adherence, and is active in his efforts for the interests of the party. He has been town clerk of Berlin township for six years and was school inspector for a number of terms. He was at one time a candidate for the office of county clerk, but was defeated by a trifling majority. He is prominent in local fra- ternity circles, being a member of the Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern Brotherhood and the Gleaners. He is an at- tendant of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On May 29, 1875, Mr. Scott married Miss Emma L. Wilson, of St. Clair township. She is a daughter of James and Emeline (Roach) Wilson. Her father was a native of Canada and her mother of New Brunswick, both immigrating to the United States in early life and set- tling in St. Clair county. Mrs. Scott was born in Berlin township. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are the parents of seven children. They are: John W., living upon his father's farm; he married Miss Josephine Ormsby. James E., a real estate dealer in St. Clair; his wife is May J. Robb, of Gaylord. Grace A., is the wife of Thomas Hilling, a boilermaker, liv- ing near Detroit on River Rouge. Mary E. was the wife of Charles Hallett; she died May 8, 1909. Howard L. is a machinist by trade, but spends some of his time on the farm with his brother John. Gladys B. is a student in the St. Clair schools, as is also Glen W.
IRA S. KINCH. Sixty years ago William Kinch and his wife, Mag- dalen (Attix) Kinch, were living in Townsendville, Seneca county, New York, when on the twenty-fifth day of November, 1849, there was born to them a son whom they called Ira S. William Kinch, a worthy and industrious man, was a blacksmith who had known little besides hard labor. He determined, however, that his son should know an easier life and gave him every opportunity that it was in the power of the father to give. For twenty years he provided well for him, sending him through the public schools of the home town and then encouraging him in the study of telegraphy, his chosen vocation.
The son's first position was in a town called Farmersville, now known as Interlaken. The young man showed such promise in his pro- fession that within two years he was called to Albany to manage the New York Central telegraph office. He remained in Albany at the head of this office for nearly six years, during which time he met Miss Cor- nelia Post Dunn. They were married in 1873 at Watkins, New York. Miss Dunn was the daughter of Dr. J. Dunn and Hannah Post, the doctor being a prominent citizen of Lodi, New York.
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For thirteen years Mr. and Mrs. Fra Kinch lived and labored side by side, then, while visiting her parents at Bath, New York, the young wife was taken with her mortal illness. The father was left with the care of three small children.
Ella F., the oldest of the children, married Albert Kanmeier and is now, herself, the mother of three little ones. James C. Kinch, the only son, is in the lumber business in Detroit, Michigan, while his younger sister, Helen G., is in Los Angeles, California. Miss IIelen, as yet un- married, has studied and made a success of the advertising business.
At the time of his wife's death Mr. Kinch was with an electric sup- ply company in New York City, but the great city without the wife and mother seemed so utterly lonely to the father and children that he soon moved his family to Jackson, Michigan, where he engaged in the manu- facture of carriages and wagons.
In 1895 he accepted a call to Port Huron as manager of the collec- tion department of a steam thresher company. For about four years he filled this position most satisfactorily, but his health which had in all probability been undermined by his early worry, threatened to give way entirely. He was compelled to sever his business relations and for four years became a wanderer over the globe in search for that most valuable of assets-health. His iron constitution ultimately came to his assist- ance and in 1903 he returned to Port Huron and became interested in the Model Milling Company of that city.
His years as a wanderer in search of health were greatly lightened by the care and companionship of Miss Alice Moutray, whom he had married in 1899, just before the serions break in his health. Miss Moutray, an attractive Canadian girl, was born at St. Marys, Canada, but had for some years been a resident of Huron county, Michigan.
Mr. Kinch, although a loyal Republican, has never been a politician, believing that political offices should be filled by men who are willing to give the country the best of their time and thought. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and finds the one sturdy order quite sufficient to his needs. His time and his energies have always been devoted entirely to his home and his business.
He is now secretary and treasurer of the Model Milling Company, situated at 1635 Pine Grove avenue, Port Huron.
CAPTAIN JOHN KENYON has sailed the Great Lakes as mate and cap- tain continuously since 1884, and has won to himself a worthy record as a sailing master in the years that have passed. The son of a lake captain, his career has been one to reflect credit upon his parent, who was one of the best known and most sueeessful captains on the Great Lakes for fifty years.
Born in East China, St. Clair county, Michigan, John Kenyon is the son of Captain Phineas and Maria (Mitchell) Kenyon, and he was born in 1862, on the farm in East China, which the family still retains. Captain Phineas Kenyon was one of the most widely known men of his line for many years. Ile saw fifty-two years of active service on the lakes, beginning when he was a mere youth in 1845. In 1859 he re- eeived his first license as a master, issued by the governor of the state. Born in Bolton, New York, October 2, 1826, he made his first trip on the lakes at the age of nineteen, in the old "Lawrence," which was Com-
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modore Perry's flagship in the famous battle upon Lake Erie. His first commission found him master of the scow "Morning Star." He soon went into the passenger service and among his first commands was the "Forest Queen," which he captained for fourteen years. He was cap- tain of the "William D. Ward" for the same period, and was in com- mand of the "Toledo," his last boat, for almost a similar number of years. In 1896 he retired from the service and he died March 4, 1911. One of his proudest boasts was that he was never in a wreck, never lost a boat and never lost a passenger, nor had he any serious accident, which is undeniably a record of which to be proud, considering his long years of active service.
Four children survived the aged captain : Captain John Kenyon, of this review; Captain William S., of the D. & C. line, commanding the steamer "State of New York"; Captain Sherwood P. J., of the steamer "Henry B. Smith," and Miss Minnie Kenyon.
The early education of John Kenyon was received in the district schools of East China and in St. Clair. He first began sailing as cabin boy with his father upon the steamer "Metropolis," and for thirteen years he was watchman upon the "William D. Ward." He received his papers as first mate in 1884, and in 1892 was awarded his full cap- tain's papers. His first boat was the tug "Frank W.," of which he was captain, and as mate his first boat was the "Flora," after which he com- manded the "Albert J. Rice" and later the "Alaska." In 1911 he was captain of the "Philip Armour," of the Erie Coal Company.
Captain Kenyon is a member of the Odd Fellows, and he is un- married.
HON. WILLIAM J. DUFF, M. D. Intellect and industry are never in- compatible. There is more wisdom and greater benefit in combining them than scholars like to believe, or than the ordinary people of the world imagine. Life has time enough for both, and its happiness will be increased by the union. To this combination add these other important characteristics-enterprise, energy, public spirit and patriotism-and the sum total is the make-up of that class of men in which the Hon. William J. Duff, M. D., of Port Huron, Michigan, stands in prominent relief. Dr. Duff was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1856, a son of George and Sarah A. (Mercer) Duff.
George Duff was born in Scotand, in 1835, and came to the United States as a mere child. He was married in Pennsylvania, his wife being a native of that state, and on May 9, 1869, they came to Michigan, being one of the first families to settle in Fort Gratiot, a little war village now known as the Old Garrison, and a part of Port Huron. He continued to reside in this city until his death, which was caused by a stroke of ap- oplexy in 1895, his wife having passed away in 1882, and both are buried in the Lakeside Cemetery. They were the parents of four children: William J., who is the only survivor ; Richard T .; Major Robert John, of the U. S. Army, retired, who died in March, 1911, at Washington, D. C., and is buried in Arlington Cemetery, and George Allen, who died at the age of six years.
William J. Duff received excellent educational advantages, attending the public schools of Port Huron, the Ann Arbor high school and the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the degree of
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M. D. Since 1885 he has been engaged in a regular practice here, and the success he has gained during this more than a quarter of a century places him in the front rank of Michigan's medical practitioners. Dr. Duff stands today as an example of the persevering and studious profes- sional man, and also as an example of the practical workings of an earnest and sincere philanthropy, so well becoming one whose life is passed in alleviating the sufferings of his fellow creatures. With the Thirty-third Michigan Volunteers Dr. Duff went to Cuba during the Spanish-American war, and after a long and strenuous service returned to Port Huron much impaired in health, his activities having been a severe strain upon him. As an appreciation of his services the citizens of Port Huron presented him with a fifty-four-diamond studded gold medal, and in addition to this he is the possessor of a beautiful bronze medal presented to him by the National Guard for twenty-four years of faithful service; one from the Federal government for long service ; and one from St. Clair county. He is now commander of the Spanish-American War Veterans at Port Huron. In political matters a stanch Republican, he served with dis- tinction in the legislature in the sessions of 1899 and 1900, and his popularity was so great that no Democratic candidate was put in the field against him. Ile has served as health officer of Port Huron for many years. Fraternally he is a Mason.
On June 1, 1899, Dr. Duff was united in marriage with Miss Wilhel- mina Ross, who was born in St. Clair county, daughter of Robert and Anna Jane (Linsey) Ross, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Canada, and both now deceased. One son has been born to this union : William Robert Mercer, born September 29, 1901, and now attending school. The family is connected with the Congregational church. Dr. Duff maintains his offices in his pleasant home at No. 724 Pine street, where he has many interesting mementoes of the Spanish-American war, and where also is kept one of his most valued possessions, the first flag that ever floated over old Fort Gratiot.
The Doctor is a great reader and close student, keeping himself well abreast of the times, and thoroughly posted on all advancements pro- duced by scientific researches in the prolific field of medicine and surgery. In his social life there is no one more popular in the city, or more highly respected, and no man is more faithful to his friends than he and none more highly prized as a true friend.
CHARLES F. HARRINGTON. There are certain traits of character that are necessary to make a man a successful financier. He must possess sound judgment, know human nature, be well acquainted with financial conditions and be conservative in his action. One of the leading finan- ciers of Port Huron, Michigan, is Charles F. Harrington, than whom few men in St. Clair county have come more directly in contact with the monetary institutions and the business men of the country. Mr. Harrington is a native of Port Huron, Michigan, and was born in 1842, a son of Daniel B. and Sarah E. (Luce) Harrington, the former a native of New York and the latter of Massachusetts. Daniel B. Harrington was engaged in the lumber business in Port Huron many years ago, and he and his wife are now deceased, both being buried in the Lakeside cemetery.
Charles F. Harrington was given exceptional educational advantages
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in his youth, and after completing his schooling in the academy at Canandaigua, New York, he studied law in the offices of Lothrop & Duf- field, prominent attorneys of Detroit. In 1865 he came to Port Huron and began the practice of his profession, in which he continued for ten years. In 1873 he assisted to organize the Port Huron Savings Bank, with which he has been connected ever since, and now acts in the capac- ity of vice-president of this well known institution. Although Mr. Har- rington has reached an age when most men think of retiring, he is as enterprising as he was many years ago, and he feels that he has not yet completed his task of doing good to his fellow-men. He is president of the Harrington Hotel Company, which owns the Harrington hotel, the finest and largest hotel in St. Clair county ; president of the Port Huron Engine and Thresher Company, and vice-president of the Port Huron Light and Power Company. His mental faculties today are as clear as ever, and with seeming unabated energy he is managing his numerous business buildings and tenant houses, at the same time is one of the heads of a bank doing a large business, and moreover is conducting the affairs of the large engine plant and power company already referred to. For many years he has been prominently connected with the public and private interests of Port Huron, and with its social, educational and mercantile interests. He is a man of fine as well as forcible intel- lectual qualities, an extensive reader and close thinker, of a remarkably practical cast of mind. In brief, Mr. Harrington is a man of sound common sense, of great courage and resolution, and executive ability ; a Christian gentleman, generous and liberal toward all beneficent in- stitutions that he believes to be for the good of his city and the public at large; just to a fault, and ever thoughtful of those connected with him in social and business relations. A stanch Republican in his political views, he has served as prosecuting attorney for four years, and for one session was a member of the state legislature.
Mr. Harrington was married to Miss Alice F. Rice, who was born on Mackinac Island, Michigan, daughter of Justin R. Rice, M. D., de- ceased, who was a native of New York state. Mrs. Harrington's brother, Captain Frank R. Rice, served as a member of the First Michigan In- fantry, and lost a leg in battle. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrington there were born five children, of whom two survive: Edmund R., who is cashier of the Port Huron Savings Bank; and Charles A., who lives in Port Huron in summer and spends his winters in the South.
THOMAS L. STRINGER, M. D. In one of the most exacting of the learned professions, Dr. Thomas L. Stringer, of Algonac, has attained marked distinction, and during the eighteen years that he has been a resident of this place has been one of the leaders among St. Clair's phy- sieians and surgeons. At all times he has been known for his absolute integrity of purpose, his lofty principles and his strict adherence to the ethics which govern his profession, and these qualities have won for him an exalted place in the respect and esteem of his confreres and of the general public. Dr. Stringer is a native of St. Catherines, Canada, and was born in 1865.
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